CVE-2018-20364 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
LibRaw::copy_bayer in libraw_cxx.cpp in LibRaw 0.19.1 has a NULL pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20364 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the LibRaw library version 0.19.1. This issue specifically affects the LibRaw::copy_bayer function located in the libraw_cxx.cpp source file, which serves as a core component for processing digital camera raw image data. The vulnerability arises when the library attempts to access memory through a null pointer reference during the copying of bayer pattern data from raw image files, creating a potential crash condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the copy_bayer function. When processing certain malformed or specially crafted raw image files, the function fails to properly check for null pointer conditions before attempting to dereference memory addresses. This flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices. The vulnerability can be triggered when the library encounters unexpected data structures within raw image files that do not conform to expected formats, particularly in the bayer pattern data that represents the color filter array information in digital camera sensors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on LibRaw for image processing, including digital photography applications, image editing software, and camera raw file processing tools. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious raw image files designed to trigger the NULL pointer dereference during normal library operation. The impact of exploitation includes system crashes, application instability, and potential denial of service conditions that can affect both end-user applications and server-side image processing systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated image processing occurs, such as photo galleries, social media platforms, or digital asset management systems that process user-uploaded raw image files.
The exploitation of CVE-2018-20364 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software libraries to achieve system compromise. This vulnerability can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques or when the vulnerable library is used in web applications that process user uploads. Organizations using LibRaw in their software stacks should consider implementing input validation measures and ensuring all dependencies are updated to versions that address this specific NULL pointer dereference issue. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust error handling and input validation in library code, particularly in security-critical components that process external data formats. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected versions, implementation of proper error handling in applications that utilize LibRaw, and consideration of alternative image processing libraries where appropriate. The flaw also highlights the necessity for comprehensive testing of image processing libraries against malformed inputs to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.